Undecided - 02-24-2017 | Clear Admit DecisionWire

<< Back to DecisionWire

February 24, 2017 1:11am ET

Enrolled: Undecided

Admitted: HKUST , IESE , NYU Stern

Applied: HKUST, IESE, NYU Stern

Entering Year: 2016

Notes:

I am mainly trying to decide between Kellogg and Darden. Essentially prestige vs fit.

Like (0)

Show Comments (10) Last: March 23, 2017

Anon Likes Earned: 0 If your post MBA target is consulting, go with Darden since they both place equally well into MBB and its case method is superb. (0)

Anon Likes Earned: 0 What are your goals? (0)

Anonymous Likes Earned: 0 I would definitely pick based on fit... two years in a place you don't feel comfortable is a waste (0)

OP Likes Earned: 0 Long term goal is an Operations Management role, but short-term hope to get consulting experience (0)

Anonymous Likes Earned: 0 Surprised you're not considering Ross - it's the best of the 3 for operations and places quite well in consulting. (0)

kaka Likes Earned: 0 Kellogg, no brainer! I can't believe nobody selected Kellogg below. (0)

@ClearAdmit Likes Earned: 0 Congrats on your multiple offers! Keep in mind that you really can't go wrong here - so don't put too much pressure on yourself. With that said, there are several factors to consider. First, as some have pointed out Darden does quite well in the consulting domain (your short-term plan) and the school's case method focus is well suited to the field. Of course, Kellogg is also well regarded at the top consulting firms and does incredibly well with placements in that domain too (they also are one of the leading programs - beside Darden and HBS - that make the most extensive use of the case method). And, as @anonymous pointed out, Michigan is a total powerhouse (alongside the likes of Wharton and MIT) when it comes to operations management (your long-term goal). Of course, there are other factors to consider too, like the fact that Darden is offering an MBA in an arguably 'remote' location - which makes it more like Tuck or Cornell when it comes to having a close-knit campus. With that said, we should point out that both Kellogg and Ross do a great job of building cohesion and school spirit too..and while Kellogg is thought of as being in the booming metropolis that is 'Chicago' it's actually in a fairly high-end suburb (Evanston) that gives you the big city at arm's length, but the true college campus vibe on the grounds. You should ideally spend some time on both campuses (if you haven't already) and you should think about the following: 1) where do you want to work (geographically) in the long term? 2) how many graduates from each program go to MBB short-term? And finally, one thing we would be remiss not to mention here is the fact that Kellogg is the one program among the three that (at least historically) has ranked towards the very top - if not at the top - of MBA rankings. While many of those BW #1 rankings for Kellogg were a long time ago, you should remember that the school is working on a stunning new campus/new facilities for the MBA program - which should be opening any time now - and should energize the brand considerably. Best of luck as you make this decision! (0)

Admit Likes Earned: 0 Agreed with Anon - Darden's case study focus is essentially on the job training within an MBA - and employers know that. My pick is Darden especially you feel you click with the school. (0)

Anon Likes Earned: 0 I think Kellogg will open the most doors for you. Beyond that, UVA > Michigan. (0)

Anonymous Likes Earned: 0 Kellogg 100% (0)